India vs Pakistan rivalry has millions of fans all around the world. The two Asian teams only meet at the multi-nation tournaments these days like the ICC World Cup and Asia Cup. Last year, Pakistan made history as they recorded a 10-wicket win against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
The Men in Blue will be keen to avenge that defeat when they battle Pakistan at this year’s Asia Cup. However, some players from the T20 World Cup 2021 match will be missing when the two teams cross swords at the Asia Cup this year. Here’s a list of those six names:
1. Varun Chakravarthy played in the last India vs Pakistan match
Mystery spin bowler Varun CV played his first World Cup match last year against Pakistan. He bowled a spell of 0/33 in his four overs. Varun is absent from India’s Asia Cup squad.
2. Mohammed Shami played in the last India vs Pakistan match
Mohammed Shami returned with figures of 0/43 in 3.5 overs against Pakistan last year. Like Varun CV, Shami has not played any T20I matches for India after the T20 World Cup 2021.
3. Shoaib Malik played in the last India vs Pakistan match
Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik was a part of the Pakistan playing XI in the T20 World Cup 2021 match against India. He neither batted nor bowled in that game and is absent from Pakistan’s Asia Cup squad.
4. Mohammad Hafeez
Another veteran Pakistan all-rounder to feature on the list is Mohammad Hafeez. He did not bat but bowled two economical overs, conceding 12 overs. Hafeez has retired from international cricket.
5. Imad Wasim
Imad Wasim bowled a spell of 0/10 against India in the T20 World Cup last year. He has not been picked for the Asia Cup this year. When asked about his non-selection, captain Babar Azam said:
“Currently, Mohammad Nawaz is performing well in white-ball cricket and has won us matches, the way he is performing, he must continue, however, Pakistan will definitely include him in the team whenever required.”
6. Hasan Ali
Another big name who has been dropped for the Asia Cup is Hasan Ali. The right-arm fast bowler, who took the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja last year, will miss this year’s Asia Cup.
